Post job

How to hire a hvac helper

Hvac helper hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring hvac helpers in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a hvac helper is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new hvac helper to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a hvac helper, step by step

To hire a hvac helper, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a hvac helper:

Here's a step-by-step hvac helper hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a hvac helper job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new hvac helper
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a hvac helper do?

If someone has prior training in HVAC systems, but does not have an advanced degree, then they may do well working as an HVAC helper. HVAC helpers are required to carry out installation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of both commercial and residential HVAC systems. They are also required to operate a variety of power and hand tools. This position requires someone who is physically fit, dexterous, and ready to follow instructions.

Learn more about the specifics of what a hvac helper does
jobs
Post a hvac helper job for free, promote it for a fee
  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the hvac helper you need to hire. Certain hvac helper roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A hvac helper's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, hvac helpers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    This list shows salaries for various types of hvac helpers.

    Type of Hvac HelperDescriptionHourly rate
    Hvac Helper$12-17
    Instrument Technician ApprenticeAn instrument technician apprentice is responsible for performing installation and repairs on various electrical equipment and instruments such as control panels and motors, all while under the supervision and directives of a senior or master technician. Typically, their tasks revolve around conducting regular maintenance checks, coordinating with other technicians, organizing supplies, operating electrical tools, and understanding various electronic principles... Show more$12-27
    Refrigeration TechnicianA refrigeration technician is responsible for managing refrigeration and cooling systems for private households and commercial establishments. Refrigeration technicians install refrigeration components, requiring them to have an excellent analysis of blueprints and schematics... Show more$15-36
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Hand Tools
    • Ladders
    • Air Handlers
    • Air Ducts
    • Plumbing
    • Brazing
    • Preventative Maintenance
    • Service Calls
    • Install Equipment
    • Routine Maintenance
    • Water Heaters
    • Condensers
    • PVC
    • Heat Pumps
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Help install furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and condensers.
    • Assist in soldering and brazing.
    • Work with foreman installing structural plumbing systems.
    • Maintain environmental conditions by installing and maintaining both heating and cooling systems such as air conditioners, chillers and refrigeration equipment.
    • Assist in repairing, servicing and installing apply caulking compound to excess space between air-conditioner and wall opening.mount air-conditioning units.
    More hvac helper duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your hvac helper job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A hvac helper salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

    For example, the average salary for a hvac helper in South Dakota may be lower than in Rhode Island, and an entry-level hvac helper usually earns less than a senior-level hvac helper. Additionally, a hvac helper with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

    Average hvac helper salary

    $14.66hourly

    $30,491 yearly

    Entry-level hvac helper salary
    $25,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 15, 2025

    Average hvac helper salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Washington$36,656$18
    2Delaware$36,354$17
    3Massachusetts$34,777$17
    4Colorado$33,559$16
    5Arizona$33,435$16
    6California$32,896$16
    7Missouri$31,632$15
    8Pennsylvania$31,512$15
    9Indiana$30,703$15
    10Ohio$30,121$14
    11Texas$29,797$14
    12South Carolina$29,494$14
    13New York$29,354$14
    14Iowa$29,321$14
    15Alabama$29,193$14
    16North Carolina$28,584$14
    17Montana$27,810$13
    18Tennessee$27,420$13
    19Florida$27,271$13
    20Georgia$27,065$13

    Average hvac helper salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1PEARCE$41,678$20.0485
    2Romanoff Group$37,521$18.0412
    3Johnson Controls$36,890$17.74205
    4Slomin's$32,857$15.80
    5Trane$31,744$15.26164
    6Aerotek$31,131$14.97129
    7Howard’s Motorcycles$31,124$14.964
    8American Residential Services$31,097$14.9598
    9Sunbelt Rentals$31,017$14.9137
    10Area Temps$30,951$14.883
    11PeopleReady$30,926$14.87105
    12Sobieski Services$30,917$14.867
    13Aramark$30,781$14.8023
    14Comfort Systems$30,543$14.6810
    15Integrated Services$30,494$14.6622
    16Aventure Staffing$30,466$14.651
    17Central$30,245$14.548
    18ABM Industries$30,205$14.52118
    19Bernhard Link Theatrical Llc$30,154$14.5010
    20Hire Dynamics$30,131$14.49
  4. Writing a hvac helper job description

    A job description for a hvac helper role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a hvac helper job description:

    Hvac helper job description example

    Apply today – Start ASAP $17-22/hr

    Skills


    Preform Trim outs
    Measure, cut, & bend duct

    Run Square & Spiral ductwork

    Qualifications

    Minimum 2 years of Experience

    Have all hand tools and Drill

    Reliable transportation

    Work Safely and follow OSHA guidelines


    Perks

    -Long Term Work - $500 Sign-on Bonus - Paycheck Advances - Weekly Direct Deposit

    -Unlimited $250 Referral Bonuses - $50 first day referral bonus

    - 40 hrs a week + Overtime - Paid Holidays - 401K & Health Benefits

    - Free OSHA training and Lift Certifications - Milestone Rewards Program!


    CCS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

    Some of our positions are subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify candidates.

  5. Post your job

    To find hvac helpers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any hvac helpers they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level hvac helpers with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your hvac helper job on Zippia to find and recruit hvac helper candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit hvac helpers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new hvac helper

    Once you've selected the best hvac helper candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
    Sign up to download full list

How much does it cost to hire a hvac helper?

Recruiting hvac helpers involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

You can expect to pay around $30,491 per year for a hvac helper, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for hvac helpers in the US typically range between $12 and $17 an hour.

Find better hvac helpers in less time
Post a job on Zippia and hire the best from over 7 million monthly job seekers.

Hiring hvac helpers FAQs

Search for hvac helper jobs

Ready to start hiring?

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs